Charity Summer Ball 2023 –  Auction Prizes

We’ve been given some wonderful auction prizes for our Charity Summer Ball this weekend.  The auction will start around 9.45pm on the evening and you will find details of our five auction prizes below. All monies raised go directly to our member chosen charities, the Sue Ryder Hospice in Moggerhanger and the Elisabeth Curtis Riding Centre for the Disabled in Bromham.  Let’s raise plenty for them!!  Any questions on the Lots ahead of the evening, please send to Jo, via [email protected].

PalmerSport Driving Experience
(donated by Group 1 Bedford BMW MINI)

PalmerSport is a totally unique motorsport experience without limits, open to private individuals and corporate groups. The prize invites two people to their evening programme at Bedford Autodrome, where you will each enjoy superb hospitality and driving time in some thrilling cars. If you like driving fast, you will love this prize as the package states: “They will be encouraged to push themselves – and our machinery – harder than they may have imagined possible, and all in outstanding safety.”

After arrival late afternoon and a safety briefing, each guest will drive each of these cars: Formula 3000, Palmer JP-LM, Ginetta G56 – GTA, and a Sodi GD5 Kart.  After the laps on the track, which is known as the best place in the world to drive cars really fast, guests retire to the trackside suite for a bbq and prize-giving.

Thank you to Group 1 Bedford BMW MINI for donating such a fantastic prize.

A 0.30ct round brilliant diamond
(donated by Baker Brothers Diamonds)

This diamond, with a timeless shape of a round brilliant cut, has been hand selected by a professionally qualified Baker Brother’s gemologist.  It is graded H SI1 and triple excellent with a GIA certificate and is suitable for any type of mount.

As diamond specialists since 1839, Baker Brothers were the first jeweller to cut out the middlemen and go direct to the diamond-buying capital of the world, Antwerp. Every diamond they use is hand-picked by their professionally qualified in-house gemologists meaning that they inspect the diamonds either loose or without a mount, so they can see it from every possible angle. In contrast to many modern jewellers they have their own, strict, in-house guidelines when it comes to quality checking their diamonds which adhere to the highest standards possible set by the GIA International Diamond Grading System, commonly known as the Diamond 4Cs.  So, you know the diamond you have the opportunity to bid on tonight is of the highest quality.  Further information can be found below:

The 4Cs – Colour, Clarity, Cut & Carat

Colour – Visible to the naked eye, diamond colour refers to the natural tint inherent in white diamonds.

Clarity – Diamonds are as unique as snowflakes with no two being the same; these characteristics are part of their make-up and dictate a diamond’s clarity.

Cut – The cut goes beyond the shape of the diamond, this is where the expertise of sparkle comes to life. The cut is the most important factor when releasing the beauty of your diamond. An expertly cut diamond of perfect proportion, symmetry and polish interacts perfectly with the light and creates that famed sparkle that can catch your eye across a room.

Carat – Carat denotes the weight of a diamond, not the size.

Thank you to Baker Brothers Diamonds for donating an extremely generous and dazzling prize.

Table of 10 in the Bedford Blues Marquee plus player Q & A
(donated by Club Towers)

Many of you will know we started sponsoring Bedford Blues last year and are delighted to confirm that we are continuing our support for the upcoming season.  The team had a season of highs in the 2022-2023 campaign, with a solid top four finish, I think everyone agrees the club are doing great things and we are very glad to be a small part of that! 

This lot is for a table of 10 in the CMC Marquee at a home game of your choice (subject to availability at time of booking) and includes a three-course luncheon before the game as well as a pre-match address by players.  After your lunch, marquee patrons are directed to a raised viewing area alongside the pitch to watch the game and afterwards you can head back to the marquee and bar for post-match entertainment.  But the best bit about this prize is that it also includes a Q & A with players.  A brilliant prize for all you Blues fans!

Four-ball at Woburn Golf Club
(donated by Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company)

Back again after being so popular last year.  This Lot is for a four-ball at the illustrious Woburn Golf Club, just up the road.  Woburn Abbey and the surrounding Estate provide a stunning backdrop and historical setting for Woburn Golf Club and its three Championship golf courses, arguably one of the best Clubs in the country, which has hosted many top Pro events featuring the best players in the world.  The prize is for a weekday round to be played by the end of the year and includes breakfast or lunch and on course refreshments.

Course can be chosen by the winner but is subject to availability for the date of your booking.  Whilst we will do our best to get the course you request, we can’t guarantee, all three are exceptional courses though!  All four golfers will need to have a registered handicap to take advantage of this fantastic prize which has been donated by Carlsberg Marstons Brewing Company – a big thank you to them! 

Two Night Mid – Week Spa Break for Two at a Champneys Health Spa
(donated by Champneys)

A gorgeous lot for an ultimate relaxation package. You are bidding on a two-night, mid-week stay at a Champneys resort of your choice.  As those who have stayed at any of their resorts will know Champneys are the home of wellbeing; the perfect places to rest, recharge and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Your Stay will include:

Access to all facilities at the resort.  Options to book additional classes and activities throughout your break.

A 50-minute Champneys spa treatment for each guest.

Meals included.

Standard Twin room

Arrival 1.30pm, Departure room and resort 11am

The voucher is valid for 12 months.  Please note there is a £50 single occupancy supplement and for bookings over a Friday there is a £30pp supplement and £40pp supplement for a Saturday stay.  There’s also to option to add a late departure package which includes an additional lunch and access to the resort until 4pm.